Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin, MD, PhD, has been awarded the 2027 American Chemical Society (ACS) Award for Creative Invention for his groundbreaking contributions to Regenerative Engineering, significantly impacting medicine, materials science, and biomedical engineering. The ACS annually honors an inventor whose work translates research into beneficial solutions for society.
Laurencin is celebrated as the founder of Regenerative Engineering, merging advanced fields such as materials science, stem cell science, and clinical translation to regenerate complex tissues. His innovations, particularly in polymeric biomaterials, have led to the development of bioinductive implants for musculoskeletal regeneration, including the renowned Laurencin-Cooper ligament, featured in National Geographic’s “100 Scientific Discoveries That Changed the World.”
His accolades include prestigious awards in chemistry, materials science, and medicine, highlighting his dual impact on scientific advancement and human health. Laurencin is the first surgeon to be elected to the major national academies in the U.S. and has received recognition from international academies as well.
At the University of Connecticut, he holds multiple distinguished professorships and leads The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering. Recently, he was honored as a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia by King Charles III. He will be celebrated at the ACS Spring 2027 National Meeting in New Orleans on March 23, 2027.
